SUJÁN Rajmahal Palace

The Royal Standard of the House of Amber still flutters above Rajmahal Palace, one of the oldest and most treasured palaces in the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. Only the City Palace and the royal family’s private forts hold this distinction. Home to the Maharaja of Jaipur, this exquisite royal palace is located at the heart of Rajasthan’s bustling capital. An enclosed oasis, secluded in verdant gardens, Rajmahal Palace is the repository of a celebrated history. Tall bay windows, mirrored doors and meticulously appointed interiors allow guests to be transported to a new era of 21st century regal living. Conceived by H.H Sawai Jai Singh II as a private palace, a garden retreat, built for his beloved wife, Chandra Kanwar Ranawat ji, the daughter of the Maharana of Mewar, Rajmahal Palace has stood witness to over two hundred and fifty years of history.

In 1821, Rajmahal became the official residence of the British Resident Political Officer of Rajputana and in 1958 His Highness Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur – the celebrated and dashing ‘Jai’ – chose it as his personal private residence. Over the decades this remarkable Palace has hosted Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, as well as several other members of the British Royal Family, and eminent international celebrities such as Jackie Kennedy, Lord and Lady Mountbatten, and the Shah of Iran.

Following a carefully orchestrated restoration by the prodigious designer Adil Ahmad, this palace continues to embody the heritage of its past, maintaining the original, stunning marble staircase, elaborate chandeliers, and treasured family possessions.

Initially comprising 14 Royal Apartments, Suites and Palace Rooms we invite guests to be a part of Rajmahal Palace and share its history and hospitality.

The Style

A note from the interior designer Adil Ahmad

"Rajmahal makes a statement where style and symmetry dominate. It is both a classical and a contemporary home within the walls of a royal palace. From first being conceived as a pleasure garden for a favourite Queen, this property, once on the outskirts of Jaipur and now at its core, became the British Residency, and then finally reverted back to being the private home of His Highness Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur. Theirs was a family of unparalleled riches and power, indelible truths that mark the history of the Kachwaha clan, from the grand City Palace complex to the majestic Amber Fort and much more. Signs of their power are symbolized by many historical facts. One was the gifting of the land on which sits the Taj Mahal, wonder of the world, given by the Jaipur royal family to the Mughal Emperor for the mausoleum he crafted for his beloved wife. The other significant piece of land they released to the British Crown was for Viceroy’s House on Raisina Hill in New Delhi, now Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Presidential Palace. The Jaipur Column designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens commemorates that transaction; it stands tall in the forecourt of the building.

For me, Rajmahal Palace epitomizes the power and sensibility of a ruling family that actively contributed and participated in the layered history of India. It is an extraordinary ‘home’ set in an extraordinary city that is a living museum without boundaries, embracing one and all, a celebration of a vibrant diversity. The painstakingly restored palace, a sparkling gem, embodies that ethos of Jaipur and its royal family, its glittering past and is now entering its gilded future."

The Royal Family of Jaipur

The architecture of Jaipur, its cuisine, dress and culture of the city are the direct consequence of the intermingling of Rajput and Mughal persuasions. With the decline of the Mughal Empire towards the end of the eighteenth century, the kingdom of Jaipur stood a bulwark against successive incursions from the Marathas in the South, swiftly allying with the growing British Power to combat this threat.

In the 1900s and through to Independence in 1947, the ‘Jaipur Life’ symbolized the dash and vivacity of a rare glamour displayed on polo’s playing fields and heady soirees.

Perhaps no one personified this charmed life more than the charismatic and brilliant H.H Sawai Man Singh II. An exceptional expert of polo, a solider and popular ruler, H.H Sawai Man Singh II’s life ran parallel to the changing face of Jaipur and India. This was a change the Maharaja adapted to with aplomb, winning the respect of India’s leaders and his peers.

H.H. Maharaja Bhawani Singh MVC, a career soldier who won military honours twice, bravely fighting for India, continued the legacy of chivalry long established in the clan. He was a recipient of India’s second highest military honour, the Maha Vir Chakra (MVC).

"The best of Indian Luxury"Pilar guzman, Editor-in-Chief,condé nast traveler, USA

Rooms and Suites

The spacious apartments, suites and rooms of Rajmahal Palace have undergone extensive refurbishment. Adil Ahmad has meticulously designed each wallpaper and the fabrics. The wallpaper, specially created for each room, tell the many stories of Jaipur, its rulers, their legacies and the collective history of the Kingdom of Amer. Motifs and colours were chosen to reinforce the theme of the rooms and become a defining backdrop for the furniture and other elements. The buta, the cypress, the floral patterned borders, the geometric shapes, all taken from the stone carvings that embellish the forts, palaces and havelis that are intrinsic to the dictionary of design, and have been introduced into the larger design scheme. Each room is completely different from the other. The vibrant diversity, set within the stringent unity of the grand design, is the raison d’etre of the reinvention of Rajmahal.

Royal Apartments

RAM NIWAS – THE MAHARAJA’S APARTMENT

(Comprising of The Maharaja and The Yuvraj Suites)Apartment Size: 3126 square feet
This two bedroom apartment is fit for Royalty; it served as the private apartment of two successive Maharaja’s, Sawai Man Singh II and his son Sawai Bhanwani Singh. Enter the apartment through your private entrance hall and feel transported to authentic grandeur of a regal past. The apartment comprises of an elegant living area, with a separate bar and drawing room that opens out onto a private terrace, ideal for alfresco dining and entertaining. There is also your own private dining room where eight persons can be seated, surrounded by original portraits of Jaipur’s Maharaja’s. The grand and elegant main bedroom has an adjoining marble bathroom; exquisite and large, it features a bathtub, shower and his and her twin basins. This classical style is complimented with the latest modern entertainment system to provide all you could need for a truly luxurious stay.

The Yuvraj Suite is the second suite belonging to The Maharaja's Apartment. This consists of one double bedroom, dressing room and en suite bathroom and is positioned towards the entrance of the apartment; just beyond is the main vestibule. Staying in the Maharaja’s Apartment guests will enjoy the services of a dedicated ADC and private butler for the duration of their stay, available around the clock to ensure every need is met. This includes complimentary Chauffeur Service to and from Jaipur Airport. Private Entrance & Vestibule, Two Double Bedroom Suites with Dressing Rooms & En Suite Bathrooms, Drawing Room, Dining Room, Private Terrace.

THE MAHARANI'S APARTMENT

Apartment Size: 2899 square feet
The apartment offers guests a vast master bedroom, combined sitting room that leads into dressing room, en suite bathroom, an elegant private dining room, full service kitchen and a grand entrance hall. Double doors lead down to an enclosed private verandah and heated plunge pool.
Staying in the Maharani’s Apartment guests will enjoy the services of a private butler for the duration of their stay as well as a complimentary Chauffeur Service.

Royal Suites

The Mountbatten Suite

Suite Size: 1271 square feetOur stylish one bedroom suites at Rajmahal provide a sense of luxurious apartment living in the heart of Jaipur, offering guests a great deal of comfort and privacy. A drawing room, double bedroom, dressing room, en suite bathroom, pantry.

The Queen Elizabeth II Suite

Suite Size: 1530 square feetHer Majesty Queen Elizabeth II stayed here when she and the Duke of Edinburgh were on a State Visit to India in the winter of 1961.
This family suite consists of one large double bedroom, en-suite bathroom, dressing room, drawing room, dining room and a separate double bedroom and bathroom, perfect if accompanied with children.

The Kennedy Suite

Suite Size: 1024 square feetNamed after its former guest, the glamorous Jackie Kennedy, whose famous trip here in 1962 was documented in a blizzard of photographs. She stayed in this room for almost three months during her stay in Jaipur.A Drawing room, one double bedroom, dressing room, dining room, en suite bathroom.

Palace Suites

THE PRINCE OF WALES SUITE

Suite Size: 938 square feetThe Prince of Wales had been a regular visitor to Rajmahal Palace over the years during the polo season.

One double bedroom, dressing room, en suite bathroom.

THE PRINCESS OF WALES SUITE

Suite Size: 960 square feetNamed after Diana, Princess of Wales, when she accompanied Prince Charles on his visits to Rajmahal Palace.

One double bedroom, dressing room, en suite bathroom.

THE RESIDENT’S SUITE

Suite Size: 862 square feetRajmahal Palace was the official residence of the British Resident Political Officer, the Agent General for Rajputana from 1823 until the Independence of India in 1947. The Residency, as it was then designated, became the centre of political activity through this period.One double bedroom, dressing room, en suite bathroom.

The Yuvraj Suite

Suite Size: 647.6 square feetThe Yuvraj Suite served as part of the private quarters of two successive Maharajas’, Sawai Man Singh II and his son Sawai Bhanwani Singh. Enter the suite through a private entrance hall and feel transported into the authentic grandeur of a regal past.One double bedroom, dressing room, en suite bathroom. This suite can only be booked when Ram Niwas (The Maharaja’s Apartment) is not occupied.

dining and cuisine

The Colonnade

The Colonnade

The Colonnade is open 24 hours for our resident guests and has a delightful menu of freshly prepared comfort food. The tall glass doors offer superb views of the palace lawns and gardens. Non–resident guests are welcome at certain times, but are required to make a reservation in advance.

51 Shades of Pink

51 Shades of Pink

This cheerful and vivacious room celebrates the colours of Jaipur, which give Rajasthan’s capital the name ‘Pink City’. The room is especially popular for breakfast as the morning light floods into its mirrored spaces.

The Orient Occident

The Orient Occident

This is one of the more formal dining spaces within the palace and is a particular favourite of H.H. the Queen Mother, Rajmata Padmini Devi of Jaipur. The restaurant offers a wide–ranging menu that includes traditional recipes of the Jaipur region, now rarely encountered elsewhere.

The Polo Bar

The Polo Bar

Rajmahal’s Polo Bar is the real McCoy when it comes to the Jaipur royal family’s numerous trophies and triumphs on the polo field. Along with a formidable menu to choose from, the bar showcases many of these accolades and celebrates the talents of Jaipur’s polo tradition. Today, Maharaja Padmanabh Singh is himself making waves on the playing fields of the polo world.

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea

Guests are welcome to enjoy their afternoon tea on the terraces and manicured lawns of Rajmahal Palace, in clement weather. Freshly baked goodies, which include the royal family’s favourites, are on the menu and also a selection of delicious teas, coffees and other beverages.

"This might just be India’s most beautiful hotel."Architectural Digest

bespoke private events

The royal family of Jaipur has hosted legendary parties and events at Rajmahal Palace over the decades. From royals, to polo players, fashionistas and famous dignitaries from around the world, this palace has welcomed the ‘jet set’ with style. Rajmahal Palace brings the same spirit alive again in this intimate and superbly refined environment. Its present avatar houses treasures of the royal family of Jaipur and is a special retreat with outstanding levels of comfort. A spectacular palace, embodying style and tradition at its best with 14 Royal Apartments, Suites and Rooms, Rajmahal also has spacious public rooms and extensive gardens that lie at the heart of Jaipur. Available exclusively for a private ‘book–out’ for weddings, parties, long or short stays, whether for a night or a week, for two people or for two hundred, join the few who know its secrets.

From the gin and tonic served to you by your private butler, to the linen you sleep on, everything at Rajmahal Palace is the best available. Fine chefs from around the world are regularly brought in. Every whim and luxury can be catered for here, and no request is too small or too unusual.

Rajmahal can be your home for as long as you wish – to entertain your friends, your family, your guests or business partners. There are a number of venues around the palace grounds that can be hired together or separately to suit the occasion. For more information please do feel free to contact us.

"Jaipur’s glamorous new grand dame is unlike any palace hotel you have seen before"Travel & Leisure

Experiences

Rajmahal Palace is perfectly located to discover the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. Explore the historic forts and palaces or be guided through the bustling local markets in search of traditional and fine craft. Culinary tours, historical sites and photographic walks are just some of the memorable experiences we can arrange for you from Rajmahal Palace. Each of our tailor-made excursions are led by experienced guides and can be planned and booked in advance to meet your personal requirements.

Private Tour of The City Palace

Our Exclusive Royal Experiences

The Royal Box Polo Match Experience

The Royal Box Polo Match Experience

"Rest assured you will be staying in a palace fit for a King!"The Mayfair Magazine

The SUJÁN Spa

A sense of well–being is at the heart of Rajmahal Palace, and the beautiful art deco swimming pool with views over the gardens, is the perfect spot to indulge and relax. The SUJÁN Spa, located in Rang Niwas, offers a carefully selected menu of therapies that revitalize and relax mind and body.

history and heritage

The illustrious House of Jaipur (Dhundhar) is the premier and hereditary head of the Kacchawa Rajputs. The dynasty, long established in the region around present day Jaipur, rose to prominence under the Mughals, particularly in the 16th and 17th centuries. Raja Bhagwan Das, the 16th century patriarch of the clan was a special favourite of the Mughal Emperor Akbar and was particularly active in the campaign for Gujarat (1570–1573). His successor Raja Man Singh, who expanded Amer Fort, personified the sword arm of the Mughal establishment well into the reign of the future Mughal Emperor Jahangir.

Jaipur

From the time and rule of H.H Sawai Jai Singh II, founder of Jaipur, up until today, this city has drawn into its delicate, layered folds the extraordinary strengths that traverse the ages, passing the baton through generations and the passage of time. The fine–tuned human skills range from painting and enameling, damascening and embroidery, printing and dyeing of textiles, to poetry and music, science and architecture, all embodying the aesthetic sensibilities and intrinsic understanding of basic design, of colour, shape and form. In many ways the city and its people are a ‘bhandaar’, a treasure chest, of all that makes India unusual and confident in her own skin. Today, Jaipur, the capital city of the state of Rajasthan known as the ‘Pink City’, is famous for the City Palace, and its unsurpassed trio of forts. The city is home to master artisans, ustads, who trace their lineage back to the ateliers of the Mughal courts. Famous for its polo, royal splendour and skilled craftsmanship, Jaipur attracts travellers from all corners of the globe. Our expert concierge will share an exclusive insight into all that this wondrous city has to offer to guests of the Jaipur royal family.

RAM NIWAS - THE MAHARAJA'S APARTMENT

(Compromising of The Maharaja & The Yuvraj Suite)Apartment Size 3126 sq ftThis two bedroom apartment is truly fit for Royalty; it served as the private apartment of two successive Maharaja's, Sawai Man Singh II and his son Sawai Bhanwani Singh. Enter the apartment through your private entrance hall and feel transported to authentic grandeur of a regal past.The apartment comprises of an elegant living area, with a separate bar and drawing room that opens out onto a private terrace, ideal for alfresco dining and entertaining. There is also your own private dining room where up to 8 can be seated surrounded by original portraits of Jaipur's Maharaja’s.The grand and elegant main bedroom has an adjoining marble bathroom; exquisite and large, it features a bathtub, shower and his and her twin basins. This classical style is complimented with the latest modern entertainment system to provide all you could need for a truly luxurious stay.

The Yuvraj Suite is the second suite belonging to The Maharaja's Apartment. This consists of one double bedroom, dressing room and en suite bathroom and is positioned towards the entrance of the apartment, just beyond is the main vestibule.Staying in the Maharaja’s Apartment guests will enjoy the services of a dedicated ADC and private butler for the duration of their stay, available around the clock to ensure your every need is met.This includes complimentary Chauffeur Service to and from Jaipur Airport.Private Entrance & Vestibule, Two Double Bedroom Suites with Dressing Rooms & En Suite Bathrooms, Drawing Room, Dining Room, Private Terrace.

THE MAHARANI'S APARTMENT

Apartment Size 2899 sq ftThe apartment offers guests a vast master bedroom, combined sitting room that leads into dressing room, en suite bathroom, an elegant private dining room, full service kitchen and a grand entrance hall. Double doors lead down to an enclosed private verandah and heated plunge pool.
Staying in the Maharani’s Apartment guests will enjoy the services of a private butler for the duration of their stay as well as a complimentary Chauffeur Service.

the queen elizabeth ii suite

Suite Size: 1530 sq ftOriginally built for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II when her and the Duke of Edinburgh on their State Visit to India in the winter of 1961.
This family suite consists of one large double bedroom, en-suite bathroom, dressing room, drawing room, dining room and a separate double bedroom and bathroom, perfect if travelling with children.

the kennedy suite

Suite Size: 1024 sq ftNamed after its former guest, the glamorous Jackie Kennedy whose famous trip here in 1962 was documented in a blizzard of photographs. She stayed in this room for almost 3 months during her time here in Jaipur.Drawing Room, One Double Bedroom, Dressing Room, Dining Room, En Suite Bathroom.

the yuvraj suite

Suite Size: 647.6 sq ftThe Yuvraj Suite served as part of the private quarters of two successive Maharaja's, Sawai Man Singh II and his son Sawai Bhanwani Singh. Enter the suite through your private entrance hall and feel transported to authentic grandeur of a regal past. One double bedroom, Dressing Room, En Suite Bathroom.This suite can only be booked when Ram Niwas (The Maharaja's Apartment) is not occupied.

THE PRINCE OF WALES SUITE

Suite Size: 938 sq ftThe Prince of Wales has been a regular visitor to Rajmahal Palace over the years as he frequently visited the Maharaja here during the Polo Season.

One double bedroom, Dressing room, En Suite bathroom.

THE PRINCESS OF WALES SUITE

Suite Size: 960 sq ftNamed after Diana, Princess of Wales when she accompanied Prince Charles on his visits to Rajmahal Palace.

One double bedroom, Dressing Room, En suite Bathroom.

THE RESIDENT'S SUITE

Suite Size: 862 sq ftRajmahal Palace was the official residence to the British Resident Political Officer of the Agent General for Rajputana from 1823 until the Independence of India in 1947. The Residency, as it was designated became the center of many political activities throughout this period.
One Double Bedroom, Dressing Room, Ensuite Bathroom.

MADHO NIWAS 1

MADHO NIWAS 2

CHAMPA ROOM

Suite Size: 288 sq ftThis charming single suite was the favourite room of H.H The Late Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singhji of Jaipur MVC. He always preferred to sleep here over any other room in Rajmahal.
One single bedroom, En Suite Bathroom.

SUKH NIWAS 2

Her Highness Rajmata Padmini Devi

Her Highness Rajmata Padmini Devi of Jaipur was born to Maharaja Rajendra Singhji and Maharani Indira Devi of Sirmur in Himachal Pradesh as the princess of Sirmur. The Maharaja of Sirmur was a friend of late Maharaja Man Singh II of Jaipur. Both played Polo together. The former had a huge tea estate in Dehradun where he spent a large part of the year. Fortunes gravitated towards the two families in a silent way. At the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, not far from the tea estate, was an adjutant who was the most eligible bachelor prince at the time, Col. Maharaj Kumar Bhawani Singh, who went on to marry the Princess of Sirmur in New Delhi in 1966 in a fairytale wedding. As a Princess, Padmini Devi was given a sound convent education in Mussoorie and then spent time at finishing schools in London and Switzerland. After their marriage, the couple were posted at different army cantonments and sometimes even had to live in tents. She was very active in the women’s welfare army associations and helped in army hospitals during the 1971 War with Pakistan. She was used to privileged living, and was never far from her Rajput roots in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Sirmur. There was never a festival in the Hindu calendar that she did not participate in with the Rajput families of Jaipur. She organized polo balls and musical evenings with Rajput themes at the City Palace. Presidents and visiting celebrities were always made to feel at home, feasting at the famous Lalique table an enduring symbol of The City Palace. The level of conversation was most enlightened whether it was about world affairs or fashion, textiles or jewellery. Her Highness Rajmata Padmini Deviji began looking after the family fortunes by carefully organizing the trusts, which were presided over by His Late Highness Maharaja Bhawani Singhji. She takes a keen interest in the development of the museum in the City Palace, Jaigarh and also the temple of Shri Shila Mataji. She is deeply involved in the maintenance of the cultural heritage of the rulers of Amer and Jaipur. She is a scholar of Hindi and History.

His Highness Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh

His Highness Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh was born on 2nd July1998 to Princess Diya Kumari and Maharaj Narendra Singh. His Late Highness Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singhji adopted him as his crown prince on 22 November 2002 and he was enthroned on the Jaipur gaddi on 27 April 2011. He did his secondary school examination from Mayo College, Ajmer in 2014, and in the same year he joined the lower sixth grade at Millfield School, Somerset, U.K.

While he was studying in Mayo College, he started horse riding and playing polo. Maintaining the family tradition of actively encouraging the sport, Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh began his journey as an active and upcoming polo player at the young age of 15 years. He participated in the Delhi Horse show and won many awards in equestrian sport, including the Jr. Indian polo championship. Recently, he played in England and Germany, and was awarded the ‘most valuable player’ trophy.

Princess Diya Kumari

Princess Diya Kumari is the daughter of H.H. Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singhji and H.H Maharani Padmini Deviji of Jaipur. She studied at the Modern School in New Delhi, and later at the M.G.D. Girls School in Jaipur and went on to do a decorative arts course in London. A mother of three, she is actively engaged in the management of the family hotels, museums and schools.

An educationist at heart, she believes that education plays a vital role in transforming both individual lives and society and has taken the initiative to establish two prestigious educational institutes in Jaipur, The Palace School and the Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh School. She takes pride and a keen interest in managing them.

Princess Diya Kumari has played a vital role in steering the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum Trust and the Jaigarh Public Charitable Trust to new heights. With her innovative and dynamic ideas, she has infused new energy into both the trusts by changing the museum from being a static, staid display arena to a hub of non-formal educational and cultural activities. She has also been instrumental in the revival of the 36 Kharkhanas, workshops where old systems of art and craftsmanship continue in the erstwhile Jaipur State. She established a ‘Friends of the Museum’ collective. Artisans and craftspeople, including many of the national and district award winners, are given shelter, patronage and an opportunity to demonstrate their art and craftsmanship and sell their products.

In spite of her busy schedule handling the diverse businesses, schools, and other institutions, she finds quality time for charities and extends all possible help and support to various causes. She encourages the young to excel in the field of fine arts, academics, and sports, among other activity. She has established the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation to empower the underprivileged and the Gunijan Khana to strengthen culture. In 2013, Princess Diya Kumari was elected as Member of the Legislative Assembly from Sawai Madhopur with a large majority.